All posts by Alexis Clark

College of Agriculture, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, RESEARCH, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU celebrates 135 Years of the Second Morrill Act of 1890

By Charlie Morrison

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – This year marks the 135th anniversary of the Second Morrill Act of 1890, legislation that reshaped American higher education and established the 1890 land-grant university system. For Tennessee State University, one of 19 historically Black colleges and universities designated as land grant institutions under the Act, the milestone is historic.

To honor the anniversary, the TSU College of Agriculture led celebrations on campus and represented the university nationwide. Earlier this month, Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the college, traveled to Washington, D.C., joining leaders from fellow 1890 institutions for a series of events commemorating the occasion. Highlights included the Cyber and AI Games in Agriculture, a reception, and a photo exhibit showcasing the “19 Strong Legacy Pathway.” Each event emphasized the legacy and ongoing impact of the land-grant HBCUs created under the 1890 Act.

Dr. Chandra Reddy

Reddy said the anniversary provides an important moment to reflect on both progress and promise. “TSU is a proud 1890 land-grant university serving students and the public since its founding in 1912,” he said. “We evolved from a simple agricultural education facility to a major, research-intensive institution offering a variety of programs, including several Ph.D. degree programs.”

At the heart of the celebrations was the legislation itself, which created a system of HBCU land grant institutions in states where African Americans were denied access to public higher education. That legacy continues to shape TSU today.

Over the years, the College of Agriculture has built a reputation for excellence in teaching, research, and extension. With hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students, more than 70 faculty members, 37 state-of-the-art laboratories, and Cooperative Extension agents serving communities across Tennessee, the college remains central to TSU’s mission.

“We have employees on the ground in 65 of the state’s 95 counties, directly supporting producers, 4-H students (a national youth development program), families, and the public at large,” Reddy explained. “Through state-of-the-art research facilities on and off campus, we are addressing the challenges faced by stakeholders. These teaching, research, and Extension programs are having a positive impact on Tennessee agriculture.”

In recent decades, TSU’s research portfolio has grown steadily. Faculty and students are leading advancements in food security, renewable energy, and environmental sustainability. This work benefits Tennessee while also addressing global challenges that will define the future of agriculture and society.

The legacy of the 1890 institutions extends far beyond classrooms and laboratories. For generations, these universities have opened doors for first-generation and economically disadvantaged students, strengthened rural communities, supported small farmers, and empowered families to thrive.

From its founding in 1912, TSU embraced this charge and has emerged as a national leader in agricultural research, community outreach, and student achievement.

Learn more about the College of Agriculture at www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.

FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, RANKINGS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Student Profile, Uncategorized

Academic honors grow as TSU strengthens student success

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University students are proving that academic excellence is not just a goal, but a standard. Last semester, more than half of TSU’s full-time undergraduates earned a spot on the Dean’s List, which requires a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The achievement reflects a steady rise in student success over the past two years.

Breyana Brown

For seniors like Breyana Brown, the recognition reflects both personal effort and TSU’s strong support systems. A Memphis native and a pre-med biology major, Brown said she experienced a major turnaround in her sophomore year, after a big drop in her grades the previous year. “I made an academic comeback,” she said. “I got set up with my academic coach at the time and she talked to me about what to do next and how to elevate my academic experience and grades.”

Brown, who earned all A’s over the summer and secured a place on the Dean’s List, credits tutoring, advisement, and one-on-one coaching with keeping her on track.

“Academically, there is still a strong foundation being built,” she said, urging incoming students never be ashamed of not knowing the answer. “That is what college is for. To figure out your why and your answer. Take pride in gaining more insight.” She said the Office of Tutoring was instrumental in keeping her focused by connecting her with the right resources and mentors.

University data reflects similar stories across the student body. In spring 2023, 46% of full-time undergraduates made the Dean’s List. That number rose to 54% the following spring and climbed again this year, with 60% of students reaching the milestone. The upward trend is tied to intentional support services and faculty engagement that help students stay on course from their first semester to graduation.

Dr. Johnnie Smith

EAB Navigate, the university’s advising and early alert system, allows faculty and academic coaches to monitor student progress and intervene quickly when challenges arise.

Dr. Johnnie Smith, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and Student Support, said the system ensures no student falls through the cracks. “We have student success specialists, formerly known as academic advisors, who do advising, coaching, mentoring, and counseling,” Smith said. “Each specialist is assigned students with touch points, and the system allows us to involve not only coaches and tutors, but also faculty, so the pipeline of support is seamless.”

In addition, TSU’s Passionate About Student Success Tutoring Department, another major resource, plays a key role, offering 24-hour in-person and virtual support, along with specialized tutoring for majors such as biology, and test preparation for exams like the MCAT.

Dr. Robbie Melton

Dr. Robbie Melton, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said the results show what happens when both students and faculty are intentional about success. “Our goal is not just to retain students, but to graduate them. That means making sure they know about and take advantage of the resources that are here for them,” Melton said. “We have seen an increase in faculty engagement through tools like EAB Navigate, which allow us to identify early warning signs and step in before a student falls too far behind.”

In highlighting other areas of academic achievement, the Honors College continues to attract top talent from across the nation. Dr. Coreen Jackson, dean of Honors College, noted that enrollment has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years.

Last semester, nearly 750 students were enrolled in the program, all meeting the minimum requirement of a 3.4 GPA or higher.

Speaking on student support, Smith emphasized that this momentum reflects the university’s commitment to excellence. “When students are intentional and the university is intentional, academic excellence is the result,” she said.

For student tutoring and advising resources, visit the Academic Achievement & Retention Center.

Alumni, Athletics, College of Health Sciences, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU, VUMC Agreement Creates Clinical Training Pathways for HPSS Students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center have announced a new articulation agreement to provide TSU Human Performance and Sport Sciences (HPSS) students with direct access to clinical training opportunities at VUMC.

The agreement creates a clear path for students interested in athletic training and other areas of sports medicine and adds to the strong foundation already offered through TSU’s HPSS program.

Dr. Jason Smith

Vanderbilt will host semester-long clinical immersions designed to give athletic training students hands-on experience that prepares them for their careers. TSU students will benefit from specialized advising and guidance to strengthen their preparation for admission into Vanderbilt’s highly competitive program.

Dr. Jason Smith, chair of the HPSS department, emphasized the importance of this new step in advancing student opportunities.

“The professionalism demonstrated by the team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center throughout this process has been exceptional. This agreement enhances the growing legacy of Tennessee State University’s Human Performance and Sport Sciences department, aligning it with the nation’s premier universities and medical centers,” Smith said.

He added that the partnership continues to build momentum for the program.

HPSS students take part in hands-on clinical training.

“The HPSS department has established new pathways to success for our students by creating athletic training agreements with MTSU and now VUMC. We are also proud to see our respected Exercise Science program continue to flourish as we create these partnerships and a legacy.”

Nick Caporale, associate athletic trainer at VUMC, highlighted the valuable learning experience the collaboration will provide.

“This collaborative effort between Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center will provide TSU students interested in athletic training and sports medicine with the opportunity to learn directly from VUMC’s Athletic Training staff on the sidelines of Vanderbilt athletic events,” Caporale said. “Our goal is to build a consistent and collaborative relationship that helps prepare these students to become strong candidates for future master’s degree programs in athletic training.”

The agreement, effective August 1, 2025, enrolls TSU HPSS students in VUMC’s clinical training program with coordinated scheduling and annual reviews to keep both programs aligned.

HPSS students will gain clinical training in sports medicine through a new partnership with VUMC.

“This agreement demonstrates a commitment to collaboration between our institutions and expands opportunities for TSU students interested in the high-demand field of athletic training,” said Dr. Poliala Dickson, HPSS representative.

The TSU HPSS program equips students with a strong academic foundation across concentrations in physical education, health education, exercise science, and sport administration. The department prepares future health educators, exercise science professionals, and sports administrators to lead with knowledge, strategy, and service.

Additionally,  students in the program are exposed to community fitness, recreation, corporate wellness, clinical environments, and administrative roles in sports, while also benefiting from professional immersion experiences integrated into the curriculum.

This new agreement with Vanderbilt Medical Center builds upon those existing strengths by offering an additional layer of clinical training that positions TSU students for success in the highly competitive and growing field of sports medicine.

To learn more about the HPSS program, visit www.tnstate.edu/hpss/.

Alumni, Athletics, EVENTS, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, RANKINGS, Uncategorized

Dr. Richard Barnett Inducted into National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – TSU’s legendary Dr. Richard Barnett will be posthumously inducted into the National Black College Alumni (NBCA) Hall of Fame, celebrating his remarkable legacy as a basketball player, educator, and advocate for civil rights and youth empowerment.

The NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., will host its 40th Annual Induction Ceremony on Sept. 27 in Atlanta, Georgia. The event honors graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who have made significant contributions in their fields.

Dr. Barnett, who died in April, leaves a lasting legacy in athletics, education, and mentorship. Born in Gary, Indiana, on October 2, 1936, he began his basketball journey at Tennessee A&I State College (now TSU), where he led the Tigers to three consecutive NAIA national championships from 1957 to 1959 under legendary coach John McLendon. He was a three-time All-American, two-time NAIA Tournament MVP, and remains the only player to have his jersey retired by the university.

Following college, Barnett was selected fourth overall in the 1959 NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals and went on to a 14-year professional career. He became a household name with the Los Angeles Lakers and later the New York Knicks, where his signature “Fall Back Baby” jump shot became iconic. He helped the Knicks secure NBA championships in 1970 and 1973, and in 1990, the franchise retired his No. 12 jersey.

Beyond the court, Barnett distinguished himself as a scholar and educator. He earned a master’s degree from New York University and a doctorate in education from Fordham University. He taught sports management at St. John’s University, founded Fall Back Baby Productions, and established the Dr. Richard Barnett Foundation to inspire and support youth. His influence extended far beyond basketball, as he championed education, civil rights, and opportunities for the next generation.

In 2024, Barnett’s remarkable career and lifelong basketball dedication were celebrated with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His induction into the NBCA Hall of Fame now places him among more than 300 distinguished HBCU graduates celebrated for their achievements and impact.

The NBCA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is part of a weekend that includes the Competition of Black College Queens, the Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. HBCU Golf Classic, and a range of leadership and empowerment events for HBCU students and alumni.

For more information on the NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation and its programs, visit www.nbcahof.org.

Alumni, FACULTY, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

TSU Advances AI Education with Amazon’s Machine Learning University

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University announces a new collaboration with the AWS-Machine Learning University (MLU) Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance, a nationwide initiative helping college faculty integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into their curriculum.

Through this collaboration, faculty from TSU’s Department of Computer Science and the SMART Center are gaining access to training, curated curriculum resources, and ongoing support to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing field of AI/ML.

Dr. Verontae Deams shares information during an Amazon-affiliated career fair highlighting TSU’s ongoing partnership with Amazon.

Through this collaboration, faculty from TSU’s Department of Computer Science and the SMART Center are gaining access to training, curated curriculum resources, and ongoing support to prepare students for careers in the rapidly growing field of AI/ML.

“At Tennessee State University, we recognize the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in shaping the future of education and innovation,” said Provost and Vice President for SMART AI Innovations at TSU, Dr. Robbie Melton.

Melton is among the 2025 Leading Women in AI, recognized for advancing artificial intelligence in education technology, research, and practical applications.

“Through our collaboration with the AWS-MLU Educators Consortium and Transformation Alliance, we are equipping our faculty with cutting-edge tools and resources to integrate AI into the curriculum, ensuring our students are prepared for the careers of tomorrow,” Melton said.

Dr. Robbie Melton

TSU is one of several institutions participating in this effort. The initiative aims to build inclusive AI education pathways, especially at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Jerome Johnson, director of Solutions Architecture, National Security, and Defense at Amazon Web Services stated that the industry-aligned curriculum is the catalyst that transforms academic potential into innovation reality. “Our collaboration with the Tennessee State University through the AWS-MLU Educators Consortium provides faculty and students with hands-on AI experience using real-world tools and frameworks,” Johnson said.

“TSU’s participation in this program demonstrates how strategic academic collaborations can accelerate both learning and breakthrough discovery, ensuring the next generation of AI innovators reflects the diverse perspectives needed to tackle tomorrow’s greatest challenges.”

As part of TSUs multifaceted partnership with Amazon, Dr. Portia Johnson takes part in an Amazon Career Choice outreach event.

This project offers hands-on training that is easily integrated into the current curriculum and new courses and programs, and a long-term community of practice. “This initiative not only addresses the growing demand for AI/ML expertise but also reinforces our commitment to fostering AI tech education, empowering all our student body to become leaders and innovators in this rapidly evolving field,” Melton said.

This collaboration reflects TSU’s ongoing commitment to future-ready learning and academic excellence. By empowering faculty with the tools to bring AI and ML into the classroom, TSU is preparing students to lead in a tech-driven world.

Alumni, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

Tennessee State University to Build $60M State-of-the-Art Engineering Facility 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is taking a step toward a future-ready campus with a new, nearly 70,000-square-foot engineering building. Approved by the Tennessee State Building Commission on August 15, the $60 million facility will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge research, while reflecting TSU’s commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and leadership among university engineering programs.

Rendering of the rear view of Tennessee State University’s new College of Engineering building, scheduled for completion in Summer 2027. (Photo courtesy of Melvin Gill & Associates and Bauer Askew Architecture.)
 

The project will consolidate engineering programs and the Applied & Industrial Technology program into one modern, interdisciplinary complex designed to foster collaboration across all academic levels.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion slated for summer 2027.

“The new building is a substantial investment in the College of Engineering,” said Dr. Lin Li, dean of the College of Engineering.

“Over the years, our college has experienced significant growth in students, faculty, research, and academic programs. This facility will provide a world-class space that enhances interdisciplinary collaboration across six undergraduate programs, three master’s programs, and one Ph.D. program. It will also host innovative engineering activities that directly benefit the metro Nashville area and Middle Tennessee.”

Dr. Lin Li, Dean of the College of Engineering

The building will include classrooms, computer labs, over 30 teaching and research laboratories combined, and more. Among the many instructional labs are a Future Energy Lab, Additive Manufacturing Lab, and Drone Flight and Air Traffic Lab, which will give students hands-on training in emerging areas of engineering.

“The new engineering building is the first step in elevating Tennessee State University’s engineering program to meet the demands of industry and the state of Tennessee,” said Will Radford, assistant vice president of Planning, Design, and Construction. “By establishing new partnerships and providing modern facilities, we are positioning TSU engineering students to not only keep pace but to set standards in the industry.”   

Rendering of the student commons area inside Tennessee State University’s new College of Engineering building.

The building is being designed by Melvin Gill & Associates, and Bauer Askew Architecture in partnership with TSU’s Planning, Design, and Construction team.

TSU President Dwayne Tucker emphasized the project’s importance for both the university and the broader community.

Will Radford, Assistant Vice President of Planning, Design, and Construction.

“This building represents an opportunity for innovation and leadership,” said President Tucker. “Tennessee State University is preparing the next generation of engineers who will shape our state and our nation. This investment ensures that our students have access to the tools, spaces, and experiences necessary to compete globally.”

Tucker added that as the university continues to advance as a future-ready institution, this project underscores its commitment to meeting the growing workforce demand for engineers in Tennessee and beyond. “It reflects our mission to provide access, sustainability, and impact while positioning TSU as a leading university,” he said.

To learn more about the College of Engineering, visit www.tnstate.edu/engineering/.

Alumni, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

Tennessee State University Board of Trustees Appoints Dwayne Tucker as President

By Angela Mills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is pleased to announce that alumnus Dwayne Tucker is the institution’s new president. The TSU Board of Trustees made the appointment on Tuesday, August 5, during a special meeting.

Dakasha Winton, TSU Board Chair, said, “On behalf of the TSU Board of Trustees, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Dwayne Tucker as the new President of TSU. His leadership through continued uncertainty and turbulent times with dignity, grace under fire, and a strong resolve to put students first made him the obvious choice.”

President Tucker has served as interim president of TSU since December 2024. He is the ninth president of Tennessee State University.

“I thank the Board of Trustees, students, faculty, staff, and our alumni for their support as we continue this journey,” Tucker said. “My focus remains on putting TSU on a path to sustainability. With the help of our State legislators, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the Tennessee Board of Regents, and other supporters, we will extend the legacy of TSU.”

Prior to Tucker’s selection as interim president, he served as the CEO of LEAD Public Schools, a network of public charter schools in the Metro Nashville area.

Tucker’s diverse business background and turnaround work with underperforming businesses brings a broad understanding of corporate functions, including sales, operations, marketing, public relations, information technology, legal, human resources, and finance/accounting to the university.

Tucker has held the titles of CEO, chief human resource officer, chief administrative officer, and president with companies including First Data, Northwest Airlines, and Alliance Data.

Alumni, College of Agriculture, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, Student Profile, Uncategorized

TSU Leads the Way in Developing Heat-Tolerant Tomatoes for Tennessee Farmers

By Charlie Morrison, Alexis Clark

Tennessee State University is answering a growing call from farmers across the state: How can we grow better tomatoes in the face of rising temperatures?

With a mission rooted in research, academics, and outreach, TSU’s College of Agriculture (TSUAg) is leading a new project to develop a heat-tolerant tomato variety capable of withstanding Tennessee’s extreme summers. This is an effort driven by student researchers and grounded in local community partnership.

Recent TSU graduate Katrina Seaman at Smiley Farm, supporting Tennessee farmers through heat-tolerant tomato research.

“This experiment is the reason I was excited to jump on board at TSUAg… because it was the farmers who identified this problem for us,” said Katrina Seaman, a recent TSU graduate and now a project manager for the research. “Whether you chop them for a salad or can them, tomatoes are an important consumer product. Especially to the small and medium-sized farmers in Tennessee.” Seaman noted that the dilemma was that the high temperatures in the summer decimated tomato yields.

The effort began after local growers approached TSU at the 2024 Tennessee Small Farm Expo seeking help. In response, Dr. Suping Zhou, a TSU Ag research professor, secured a $300,000 grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through its Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events program to explore potential solutions.

Now, the project is testing tomato varietals, mulching systems, and grafted plants across three distinct farms in Tennessee, using advanced agricultural technology to monitor outcomes.

Tomatoes grow at Smiley Farm where researchers are testing heat-tolerant varieties to support farmers facing extreme summer temperatures.

Dr. Zhou stated that farmers’ feedback guided this project.

“This kind of research is exactly why TSU exists as a land-grant institution,” said Dr. Zhou. “We have the infrastructure, the student talent, and the statewide partnerships to respond directly to issues impacting our region’s growers.”

Seaman, along with three graduate research assistants Jing Zao, Jun Guo, and Madhavarapu Sudhakar, are collecting real-time data with help from sensors that track salinity, temperature, moisture, and light at the soil and canopy level. This gives the team of researchers a full picture of the growing conditions across each location.

“We’re taking decades and generations of experience from the farmers and then applying it to TSU resources,” Seaman said. “At the end of this project, we want Tennessee farmers to know how to adapt to their growing practices during hot summers.”

TSU is working with Eldridge Farm in Woodlawn, Smiley Farm in Ridgetop, and Little Creek Produce in Cookeville. Each location brings a unique environment to test how tomatoes perform in different mulching systems, field types, and temperature controls. The researchers have also teamed up with the Nashville Farmers’ Market to tackle the heat tolerant tomato project.

TSU researcher Dr. Suping Zhou and project manager Katrina Seaman join partners at Smiley Farm, one of three sites participating in the tomato research.

“What I’m taking away from this, especially as I look toward a career in Extension, is that collaboration is at the heart of this work,” Seaman said.

The team recently presented early findings at Little Creek Produce this summer, inviting growers from across the region to see the technology in action and learn about heat mitigation strategies.

As climate conditions continue to challenge food systems, TSU’s work signals the vital role land-grant institutions and HBCUs play in agriculture and food security.

“This project represents the very best of our land-grant mission by connecting students, researchers, and communities to solve real-world problems,” said Dr. Zhou. “And it shows that TSU is not only capable but essential to the future of agriculture in Tennessee.”

To learn more about the College of Agriculture, visit www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.

FACULTY, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

Tennessee State University Appoints New Vice President of Enrollment Management

By Angela Mills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State University is excited to announce the appointment of Eric Stokes, Ph.D., a strategic enrollment leader with a proven track record in higher education, as the new Vice President of Enrollment Management. With more than 20 years of experience, he will play a pivotal role in advancing TSU’s enrollment initiatives.

Dr. Stokes, a Knoxville native, said, “I’m excited to join Tennessee State University in this new role and am committed to working with our dedicated faculty, staff, students, and alumni to promote TSU as a premier institution for higher education. Together, we will cultivate an inclusive and dynamic environment that empowers students to achieve their academic and personal goals.”

Dr. Stokes most recently served as the Assistant Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Management at the University of Memphis, where he successfully enrolled the largest freshman class in the university’s modern history. Under his leadership, the university increased the average GPA and ACT/SAT scores of incoming students, dramatically grew the dual enrollment program to the largest in the state, and implemented innovative recruitment strategies that are best practices in the industry.

In his new role, which reports to the TSU president, Dr. Stokes will oversee all areas of enrollment management, including recruitment, admissions, and records. His experience implementing a first-in-class enrollment CRM platform, which will significantly enhance strategic recruitment and data-driven enrollment management, will be invaluable to TSU.

“Dr. Stokes’ team-oriented strategy in enrollment management will significantly enhance TSU’s efforts to reach our goals and foster support for our diverse student body,” said Interim President Dwayne Tucker.

Dr. Stokes holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration and a master’s in Higher Education Administration from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details. 

Alumni, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, GRANTS, NEWS, RANKINGS, Student Profile, Uncategorized

TSU Continues to Invest in Campus Safety, Enhances Crime Prevention Strategy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Christian McClain walks the campus of Tennessee State University as a student with a mission rooted in legacy and service. A Nashville native and rising sophomore majoring in criminal justice, McClain is spending his summer interning with TSU’s Police Department. He’s gaining hands-on experience reviewing camera footage, shadowing officers, and helping with day-to-day tasks. Efforts to learn the ropes of a career path of his late father, Commander Anthony McClain, a TSU alumnus and North Precinct Commander for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, who passed away in March 2025.

Christian McClain, right, with his late father Anthony McClain, a TSU alumnus and former North Precinct Commander for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

“TSU PD has been doing well on campus,” McClain said. “Over the years, I’ve witnessed improvements. I feel safe here.”

In 2024, TSU PD achieved state accreditation, a major milestone that affirmed the department’s ongoing commitment to safety. This recognition is the first in the department’s history. The accreditation was granted by the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation (TLEA) Program, a recognition from the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) Board of Directors Professional Standards Committee.

“The accreditation goes to show that TSU PD has the will to improve and will continue to do so,” he added. After graduation, McClain plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and join Metro Police, with aspirations of one day starting his own security firm.

McClain’s mission mirrors a broader effort at TSU, where safety measures and crime prevention strategies are making a measurable difference.

TSU Police Chief Gregory Robinson.

Crime on campus has dropped by 35% so far since the 2024-2025 school year, according to TSU Police Chief Gregory Robinson. “The goal is to continue keeping our faculty, students, and staff safe while minimizing any threats or risks to our university,” he said. “We will enhance our coverage and visibility by adding more officers and security measures.”

Key advancements have played a major role in that progress. Funded through Title III and a Higher Education Safety grant, the department has acquired eight portable surveillance trailers, known as Live Video Technology (LVT), which help monitor key areas across campus .

Robinson also stated that visibility remains a key factor in TSU PD’s success both in active patrolling on campus and off campus community outreach.

One of eight portable surveillance trailers used to monitor key areas across campus for enhanced safety and security.

“We have done a great job getting out of our vehicles, patrolling, and being visible,” he said. “Our students engage with officers when there’s a uniform presence. Accreditation has proven that we’re using the best practices that are beneficial across the country.”

Robinson noted that the department works daily to strengthen its approach to safety and build trust across campus. “We’ve been successful, but we’re not a finished product,” he said. “Every day, we strive to be a better department and provide a conducive environment for our faculty, staff, visitors, and most importantly, our students.”

Six newly hired officers will begin police academy training this summer, bringing the department’s total to nearly 30 officers. In addition, new in-car laptops are helping officers stay visible and responsive while completing reports in the field.

TSU PD gathered at the Health Sciences Building last fall for a TACP Accreditation Award Ceremony honoring their state recognition.

TSU is also expanding campus infrastructure with additional security features. Dr. Eddie Cribbs, Executive Director of Auxiliary and Support Services, said the university is working to install even more cameras and emergency call boxes. These are towers that provide direct access to the TSU Police Department for emergencies. As of July, there are nearly 30 of these call boxes on campus.


“We’re expanding camera coverage across campus, including the tennis courts and the Avon Williams campus,” Cribbs said. “We’re adding more Code Blue emergency boxes at both campuses. When students feel safe they are able to show up fully  to learn, to lead, to thrive, and to experience a true sense of belonging. Campus safety is more than just protection. It means creating an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and at home.”

Dr. Eddie Cribbs

For TSU students like McClain, these efforts continue to build a safe and supportive environment. One that reflects a strong future supported by an accredited police department.

“I’m hoping to gain more knowledge in this field,” McClain said. “And with this internship with TSU PD, I’ve been doing so.”

To learn more about TSU PD, visit www.tnstate.edu/police.